Practical Nurse Diploma

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Get career ready at one of these three campuses: Cold Lake, Lac La Biche or St. Paul.

The Practical Nurse Diploma emphasizes collaboration, health promotion, and family-centred nursing. You’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to work in a wide variety of health care settings, both rural and urban. Our enthusiastic and experienced instructors focus on building your competency in nursing practice through imaginative, innovative classroom and lab experiences. As a graduate, you’ll be eligible to write the national licensing examination administered through the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA).

This two-year diploma program is delivered via hybrid delivery with some classes and all labs being offered in person, and some classes being offered online. Students in the first semester of their program can expect the majority of their classes to be online with in-person labs and exams.

As the Practical Nurse Diploma has an enrollment limit, the College reserves the right to employ academic rating scales for admission purposes. Applicants will be sent an offer if their overall GPA, as assessed with the required admissions courses, is at or above the annual competitive GPA. Offers would be sent out once a student had submitted all required documents and a GPA could be assessed. For applicants who meet requirements but do not meet the competitive GPA, their application will be placed on a competitive waitlist and offers may be sent based on GPA and seat availability.

Because this program is in such high demand, you may wish to begin your studies part-time by taking university courses in the meantime. For more information, use the link to our Info Request Form below.

Learn more about strategies for success in nursing school here to help you achieve a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alberta. Read more here.

This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.

Please Note:  This program is eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP).

“Always expect the unexpected because the unexpected always expects you. In Nursing you can’t expect to have the same thing all the time.” – Ramone Simpson, Practical Nurse Graduate

To begin your journey you will be required to complete these forms and documents as a part of the application process.

Open Package

Domestic Apply

Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).

Domestic Funding Options

Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.

Domestic Information Request

If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.

Career Potential
Graduates will be eligible for jobs in acute care hospitals, continuing care centres, community care settings, client homes or doctor’s offices. Practical nurses earn approximately $27.58 to $36.13 per hour.

Credentials
Year 1: N/A
Year 2: Diploma

Admission Requirements
Year 1:

  • English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%, or English Language Arts 30-2 at 70%
  • Math 20-2 at 60%
  • Biology 30 at 60% 
  • Chemistry 30 is strongly recommended

NOTE: Those who do not meet admission requirements listed above are encouraged to look into Open Studies

Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.

Required Documents:

  • High school transcripts and/or post-secondary transcripts are required.

Other:

  • Minimum age of 18 before first practicum placement.
  • Copy of CPR Heart & Stroke BLS for Healthcare Providers Certificate to be completed within 3 weeks before the program’s August start date to ensure certification remains valid through their first clinical.
  • Current Immunization record, signed by a Canadian physician, nurse practitioner, or public health nurse – to be completed before clinical placement.
  • Signed Immunization and Placement Disclosure Waiver Form.
  • Health Status Questionnaire signed by a nurse practitioner or physician
  • Police Information Check & Vulnerable Sector Search – To be completed within 90 days of the program start date.
  • Signed Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Search Waiver Form.
  • ESL – All students whose first language is not English must meet one of the following:

– IELTS Academic Format with minimum scores as follows: Listening 7.5; Reading 6.5; Writing 7.0; Speaking 7.0.
– TOEFL iBT (internet-based) with minimum test scores as follows: Listening 23; Reading 21; Writing 25; Speaking 22.

-CELBAN, with a minimum test score as follows: Listening 10; Reading 8; Writing 7; Speaking 7, reading, 7 in writing, and 8 in speaking

– Testing must have been completed within two years before application to the program

Year 2: Completion of Year 1 nursing courses. Students new to the program must provide a Police Information Check & Vulnerable Sector Search.

Transferability:
Transfer credit listed on the ACAT (Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer) website will be approved for transfer credit to Portage College.  Specific credit awards to a program are subject to the requirements and regulations of the admitting program and may vary from the total credit awarded by Portage College.  To determine if this program transfers to other institutions refer to the ACAT website.

Think you might have courses similar? Check this site Alberta Government Link for agreements.

Prior Learning Assessments are available for the PN program. If you feel you have prior learning that you would like assessed or have questions about this assessment process, please contact one of our Student Advisors. Our Student Advisors can provide you with the Prior Learning Assessment guideline and related application form.

For more information on the processes of PLAR for the Practical Nursing program, click here.

Program Start/End Dates
Year 1: August 31, 2026 to June 25, 2027
Year 2: August 31, 2026 to May 21, 2027

Locations
Cold Lake Campus
Lac La Biche Campus
St. Paul Campus

Application Deadline
Open until seats are filled

Delivery
Hybrid Learning

First Year Students
Long Term Care: Beginning of April (5 weeks)

Second Year Students
Acute Care 1: Third week of November (4 weeks)
Acute Care 2: First week of March (4 weeks)
Preceptor Lead Practicum: First week of April (271 hours)

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50

Year 1

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025

Tuition $2,818.78
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Name Plate $25.00
Total $3,424.26


Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025

Tuition $2,818.78
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $3,072.76

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,497.02

Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $188. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $188.

Year 2

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025

Tuition $2,818.78
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $3,399.26


Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025

Tuition $2,818.78
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $3,072.76

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,472.02

Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $188. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $188.

Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Tuition Deposit: $500 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)

Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.

Fee Explanations

Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable)

If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.

Year 1

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025

Tuition $8,456.34
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Guard Me Insurance $602.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Name Plate $25.00
Total $9,664.07

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025

Tuition $8,456.34
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $8,710.32

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $18,374.39


Year 2

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025

Tuition $9,058.59
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $9,639.07

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025

Tuition $8,456.34
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $8,710.32


Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $18,349.39

Guaranteed yearly tuition for 2025-26 -Year 2 of program started 2025-26 not including mandatory fees: $18,349.39

Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Textbook Rentals Rentals can be arranged through the Portage College Bookstore: By Phone: Toll free 1.866.623.5551 ext. 5647 or 780.623.5647 Visit Portage Bookstore for other supplies.

Fee Explanations

Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

Click here to view Other Fees for Service

International Student Apply

International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.

International Student Study Permit

Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada.

International Information Request

Our international student representatives are happy to answer your questions about programs, services and any immigration related questions that you may have. Please use the form link provided.

More international students are choosing Portage College to start or complete their studies because of the personal attention they receive and the high standard of instruction.

Practical Nurse Diploma Year One Course Listing

This course provides an in-depth study of the structures of the human body and their interrelationships using a systems approach. The correlations between structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) are noted. Major topics include body organization, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems, the general and special senses, and human development. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students. Pre/Corequisites: 60% in BIO 30 and English Language Arts 30-1, BIOL231.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course provides a study of the overall function of the human body. Major topics include fundamental chemistry, homeostasis, cytology and cell physiology, cell signaling and communication, and muscle, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive physiology, as well as fundamental genetics as it applies to human physiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students. Pre/Corequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60% and BIO 30 at 60% Corequisite: BIOL230.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course helps students to develop the academic writing skills they use throughout their university studies. Students learn to identify good writing and develop needed research, analytical, and organizational skills. Starting with building good sentences and paragraphs, the research essay is the most important genre in this course. By analyzing, summarizing, synthesizing, and critiquing a variety of texts, students learn how to develop their own analyses and arguments with appropriate and correctly documented primary and secondary sources. Readings by or about indigenous and minority peoples form no less than 50% of the readings in this course. A review of grammar and sentence structure is a key component of this course. Students are advised to choose a research topic in line with their career goals. Pre/Corequisite 60% in English Language Arts 30-1.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course will introduce you to the physical, social, mental, occupational, emotional, environmental, and spiritual dimensions of personal health and wellness. These dimensions are described within the context of the Canadian health care system and your own individual community. Topics include primary health care, nutrition, exercise, stress management, weight management, eating disorders, common health issues, and their prevention. You will be expected to integrate knowledge of the seven dimensions of health and apply this knowledge to a self-analysis of your own health and physical fitness. Finally, you will incorporate change management theory to develop, implement, and evaluate a personal wellness plan. The intent of this course is to promote a healthy lifestyle. By examining determinants of health, the current health care system, and the seven dimensions of health and applying these concepts to your own lifestyle, you will be better equipped to function as role models and act as change agents for health promotion in your community. Pre/Corequisite 60% in English Language Arts 30-1.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This is the first nursing course of the Practical Nurse Diploma program, and in it several concepts and processes are introduced. These concepts are further developed and applied throughout the diploma practical nurse program. The course introduces students to nursing by exploring health care in Canada, the history of nursing, and the evolving role of the practical nurse. Values, ethics, legalities, and legislation that affect nursing practice in Alberta are also introduced. The learner will relate the roles and responsibilities of the practical nurse to the direction of the professional association and standards of nursing practice. The nursing metaparadigm and nursing theory are explained as major concepts in nursing. Learners learn the holistic approach to client-centred care. Critical thinking skills are developed as the student applies nursing knowledge to the delivery of quality, safe nursing care. Prerequisite: Admission to the program. Corequisite: ENGL 102 and HEED 105.
Hours: 60
Credits: 5

This course focuses on the study of homeostasis and how it is altered by physical, biochemical, microbial or genetic factors, providing an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of human body function, pathophysiology (disordered physiology) and disease processes. The course summarizes the normal function of each organ system and then presents a number of major diseases of each system, showing how symptoms and signs of selected diseases are produced by pathophysiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students. Pre/Corequisites: BIOL 230 and BIOL 231.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course explores basic and therapeutic communication skills for the health professional. Communication skills required for the development of caring relationships and to overcome barriers will be discussed, as well as the skills needed for interprofessional practice, group and family communication. Health teaching in individual and group settings is an important component of this course. Pre/Corequisite: Admission to a Health & Wellness program.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This second Nursing Foundations course builds on theory and skills learned in Semester I, with a focus on the client and the nurse-client relationship. The primary purpose of this course is to integrate foundational knowledge and concepts learned to date, along with basic nursing skills, for the purpose of application in a clinical setting. Topics include the metaparadigm of nursing, safety, professionalism, and leadership, but the focus shifts from the application of these concepts to the client. Emphasis will be placed on using the nursing process, demonstrating critical thinking, applying the concept of self-care, and setting priorities. Students will develop nursing care plans tailored to client needs and will demonstrate effective documentation and mathematical calculations related to medication administration, communication, and client teaching skills. The lab setting will be utilized to apply theory and skills required for nursing practice. Prerequisite: NURS 148. Corequisite: COMM 135, PHRM 250, NURS 152.
Hours: 105
Credits: 7

This course will help you develop skills in the collection of a health history and perform a physical examination with an adult client. The emphasis in this course is on normal structures and functions. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills required to complete a comprehensive health assessment. This is the first step in the nursing process and aids nurses in developing a complete picture of their client’s needs and health-related concerns. This course includes both classroom and laboratory practice.  Prerequisite: NURS 148, BIO 230, BIO231. Corequisite: BIO 232.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4

This course focuses on the theoretical knowledge required for safe medication administration. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology will be integrated into the curriculum as mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, adverse effects, and drug interactions are explored. The study of common drug classifications, along with selected frequently used medications in each classification, will be included. Legislation is reviewed with regard to over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and political, social, economic, and ethical factors will be discussed. Applicable professional practice interventions are examined with supporting rationale. Prerequisite: BIOL 230 and BIOL 231.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This first practice nursing course provides opportunities for the learner to gain experience as a member of the interdisciplinary team by providing safe, holistic, and evidence-informed nursing care in a continuing-care setting, following the standards of practice for a practical nurse. Prerequisite: COMM 135, NURS 149, PHRM 250, NURS 152, BIO 232.
Hours: 194
Credits: 5

This course is intended to inspire an interest in, and an appreciation for, the field of psychology. Topics in this course include the history of psychological science, psychological research methods, the structure and function of the brain and nervous system, learning, sensation, perception, memory, consciousness, thought, and language. Pre/Corequisites: 60% in English Language Arts 30-1.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

Practical Nurse Diploma Year Two Course Listing

The focus of this course is on evidence-informed medical and surgical nursing practices. The student builds upon previous nursing knowledge and related theory in adapting the approach to the care of the client using the nursing metaparadigm and the nursing process. The student continues to develop leadership skills through the experience of mentorship. A laboratory component is included in which students apply theory and practice nursing skills related to medical/surgical nursing. Prerequisite: NPRT 155.
Hours: 135
Credits: 9

This course introduces the student to the childbearing family and the practical nurse's role in promoting, restoring, and maintaining the health of the maternity client and her family. Students will apply knowledge of the nursing process and the four concepts of the nursing metaparadigm to the care of the expectant family before, during, and after the birth of the baby. Building upon previous nursing knowledge and related theory in adapting the nursing approach to the care and health promotion of the child-bearing family. The student will apply the collaborative interdisciplinary team approach to maternity care. Assessment of family strengths, coping abilities, and life experiences is key to the practical nurse's role in health promotion. New developments in maternal and newborn care will be examined through addressing trends and issues in maternity care. Prerequisite: NPRT 155.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This practice course provides the learner with clinical experience as a member of the health-care team in providing safe, holistic, and evidence-informed nursing care to clients and families in an acute-care environment following the standards of practice for a practical nurse. This course includes four weeks of instructor-supervised clinical practice on an acute-care medical and/or surgical unit and, in combination with Nursing Practice III, meets the program requirements of eight weeks of placement in an acute-care setting. Prerequisites: NURS 200, NURS 203 and NURS 205.
Hours: 155
Credits: 4

This course will use innovative and exciting methods to allow students to explore the sociological perspective of the aging process of the individual and of the population. It presents aging as a normal life process with the goal of maximizing the life potential of people at all ages. Students will gain a better understanding and appreciation of the social impact of aging in a variety of contexts, mainly focusing on Canadian society. The biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging are explored in addition to the pros and cons of social programs and policies in Canada. The relationship of aging with our economy, health care system, and social programs will be examined in different contexts. Prerequisites: 60% in English Language Arts 30-1.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

The Nursing Foundations V: Pediatric course focuses on theroy that centres on the care of pediatric patients and their families. It introduces theoretical concepts for assessing pediatric clients with an emphasis on growth and development. The course explores pediatric-specific pathophysiology, nursing care, communication strategies, and health education techniques. Building on prior nursing knowledge and theory, the course supports students in adapting nursing care for children and their families through the application of the nursing metaparadigm, the nursing process, and growth and development theories. Prerequisite: NPRT 155.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This nursing course provides the learner with theories of family and community to acquire the knowledge and skills required to promote the health and well-being of populations within the community. The course emphasizes the importance of collaboration among the interdisciplinary health-care team, families, and communities to achieve safe, evidence-informed community nursing practice. The learner will build upon previous nursing knowledge and related theory in adapting the nursing approach to the care and health promotion of the family and community using the nursing metaparadigm and nursing process. Trends and issues in the care of families and communities will also be explored. Prerequisite: NPRT 210.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This nursing course explores legal and ethical considerations and social stigmas related to mental health disorders.  The learner examines evidence-informed mental health nursing practice for clients and their families as they adjust to changes in functioning associated with mental health issues and related treatments.  The learner builds on previous knowledge and related theory in adapting the nursing approach to the care and health promotion of mental health clients and their families using the metaparadigm of nursing and the nursing process. Trends and issues in mental health nursing will also be explored. Prerequisite: NPRT 155.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course provides the opportunity for learners to build strategies and resources to transition successfully from the student role to professional nursing practice. Legal and ethical responsibilities in achieving and maintaining licensure under the CLPNA, including fitness to practice, continuing competency, and lifelong learning will be explored. The learner will gain an understanding of personal strengths in order to help build collaborative practice in addition to the formal/informal leadership roles required of the profession. Various management responsibilities will be discussed as they apply to professional practice and the expanding role of the LPN. Prerequisite: NPRT 210.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This practice course provides the student with clinical experience as a member of the interdisciplinary team by providing safe, holistic, and evidence-informed nursing care to clients in an acute-care environment following the standards of practice for a practical nurse. This course includes four weeks of instructor-supervised clinical practice on an acute-care medical and/or surgical unit and, in combination with Nursing Practice II, meets the program requirements of eight weeks of placement in an acute-care setting. Prerequisite: All semester one, two and three nursing courses, NPRT 210.
Hours: 155
Credits: 4

This final course of the program provides the opportunity for the student to integrate knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgments in transition to the role of the graduate practical nurse. The student will apply learned competencies in a seven-week, preceptored clinical practice, assuming the anticipated roles of a graduate practical nurse. The focus of this course is to provide a placement opportunity where the student may integrate medical/surgical generalist nursing skills and abilities.
Hours: 271
Credits: 7